I guestimated my federal return and it looks like I will break even or get a couple hundred back. The feds got dodgy with the child tax credit this year...you only get it if your kid is under 17 at year end and guess who turned 17 this year Ah well.

WHAT! Really! Say it is not so. Heck we still claimed two last year. They should not be able to do that without giving people some kind of heads up. Tax me if you must but give me a chance to get it to you without throwing me a curveball.

I have decided to get a new moped!!! I have never owned one before and I'm having trouble deciding between 2 models.

The first is a used Piaggio Vespa for about $3,500.00. It has a 150 cc engine, which is cool because I could take it on the expressway/highway and use it to get around the island outside of just the city, though I don't actually plan on doing so.

The second is an Islander for about $1,100.00. It has a 50 cc engine, which is cool because it won't require a motorcycle license or special insurance.

Both options get around 75 miles per gallon

Has anyone who has ever owned such a mode of transportation help me decide or give me tips?

I've owned a handful of motorcycles and have a few friends with mopeds/scooters. My recommendation is to get the larger displacement engine, particularly if you think you and your partner will ever want to ride together on it (and you probably will in the Hawaii weather and because Vespas are are hoot to cruise around on). It will also help with any steep grades, which are a likely issue with any scenic rides around Honolulu and likely has a larger frame/seat to strap things like groceries to. Additionally, it is in your best interest to take the motorcycle safety course and get a legit MC license. You will learn a lot and it will make you a more confident and technically-skilled rider. Also, it'll get you a discount on your insurance. Finally, you may not be planning to get on the expressway, but my guess is that you will have a need to periodically.

That said, I should mention that I'm a fan of high-displacement motorcycle engines on lightweight motorcylces, so I always gravitate toward the larger engine option.

I also prefer the Vespa brand... I'm not familiar with "Islander" at all, but three of my friends have Vespas and have had minimal, if any, maintenance/mechanical issues. I'm especially inclined to go for the trendier Vespa since you have a secure place to store it.

"Oh, that is all well and good, but, voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."

WHAT! Really! Say it is not so. Heck we still claimed two last year. They should not be able to do that without giving people some kind of heads up. Tax me if you must but give me a chance to get it to you without throwing me a curveball.

The cutoff has been 17 for at least 4 years. We discovered that when our older children turned 17 (4 years ago).

"Oh, that is all well and good, but, voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."

My recommendation is to get the larger displacement engine, particularly if you think you and your partner will ever want to ride together on it (and you probably will in the Hawaii weather and because Vespas are are hoot to cruise around on). It will also help with any steep grades, which are a likely issue with any scenic rides around Honolulu and likely has a larger frame/seat to strap things like groceries to...

Very good points! It is particularly hilly around these parts and we would definitely want to be riding together at some point. The Vespa will also fetch a better price when we decide to leave the islands, plus they are just super cute!

Now I just need to get down to the DMV so I can get my motorcycle learners permit and start scooting around

WHAT! Really! Say it is not so. Heck we still claimed two last year. They should not be able to do that without giving people some kind of heads up. Tax me if you must but give me a chance to get it to you without throwing me a curveball.

I think it's been that way for awhile. In fact, I almost recall it happening when my son who's 22 turned 18. I could be wrong. But I know I lost it last year for sure.

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C'mon and get me you twist of fate
I'm standing right here Mr. Destiny
If you want to talk well then I'll relate
If you don't so what cause you don't scare me

I can understand that the feedback is useful to the consultants but I don't like having to call consultants and tell them why we didn't choose them. I don't like confrontation and I don't like to disappoint people.

The feedback is useful. Especially when the consultant thinks he or she did a great job on the proposal, has all the requisite experience, etc.

It sucks to lose. As one of my business partners and I often say, there is no prize for second place.

I can understand that the feedback is useful to the consultants but I don't like having to call consultants and tell them why we didn't choose them.

I think you should always call and provide feedback as MP said. It helps with finding out ways to improve and in my former case, whom to blame for blowing the proposal **cough cough** marketing **cough cough**

The feedback is useful. Especially when the consultant thinks he or she did a great job on the proposal, has all the requisite experience, etc.

It sucks to lose. As one of my business partners and I often say, there is no prize for second place.

Originally posted by CPSURaf

I think you should always call and provide feedback as MP said. It helps with finding out ways to improve and in my former case, whom to blame for blowing the proposal **cough cough** marketing **cough cough**

yes, but people that work in government get paranoid that we'll be sued if we tell why - my town has a policy that we are not allowed to communicate thereafter, we can't even give references!

I really don't want to fan this flame, but I agree with Ima. I've seen the same thing in other places I've worked.

I didn't see it as much where I worked, but my mom has had to deal with it at most places she's worked. She refuses to participate in the backstabbing, sabatoging, and kiniving, which has led to her changing jobs fairly frequently.

I can understand that the feedback is useful to the consultants but I don't like having to call consultants and tell them why we didn't choose them. I don't like confrontation and I don't like to disappoint people.

Me too! Its one of the things i dread most, especially if it is close between consultants

"Have you ever wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really, ridiculously good looking?" Zoolander